THE VIEW FROM TURKEY
“Turkey has a top-class defence. Undoubtedly Italy are the toughest opposition but, interestingly, Turkey did better against stronger opponents in qualification, mainly due to having such a tough defence. I think we have a really good chance of making it out of the group in second place.”
Yakup Cinar, Fanatik newspaper
“I don’t think I can remember this many Turkish players at top clubs in Europe’s top five leagues. This is having a really positive effect on the Turkish national team. We have all the ingredients now, I don’t see anything holding them back moving forward.”
Necati Mete, Deplase magazine consultant
The last time Senol Gunes was coach of Turkey, he guided them to third place at the 2002 World Cup. An unprecedented achievement. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest managers in Turkish history.
Where he really excels though is in knockout tournaments. A brilliant tactical mind and a great motivator; Gunes has a knack for building a strong team spirit and getting his teams to exceed expectations. At Besiktas he managed to get his side to qualify as 2017-18 Champions League Group G winners – a first for a Super Lig side.